Melbourne is taking centre stage this February with a month of stellar performances, comedy, theatre and shows.
Whether you’re an avid theatre-goer, a laugh-a-holic or circus-curious, there’s no shortage of Melbourne theatre shows to keep you entertained all throughout February.
Escape the heat with the best seats in-house at any of these stage shows hitting the city over the coming month. There’s a little something for everyone, plus a little something more.
From comedy and improv to the dramatic arts and performance, acrobatics and circus tricks to music and mayhem, this February is all about showcasing the best in Melbourne arts and performance.
Explore Melbourne’s latest arts and stage news, features, festivals, interviews and reviews here.
Dear Evan Hansen
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- Arts Centre Melbourne
- February 1 to February 16
This icon of the musical theatre world is making a trip down under for an unmissable season this summer. Whether you know the words to all the songs from this Tony Award-winning musical or you’re keen to discover your new favourite show, Dear Evan Hansen is a safe bet.
Darkfield
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- Arts Centre Melbourne
- February 1 to February 16
You haven’t seen a show like this before. Taking place inside a custom-built shipping container, Darkfield is a multi-sensory audio series that is experienced in complete and utter darkness. Try something different this month and step into the shadows of the sonic spectrum.
Milo Hartill: Black, Fat and F**gy
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- University of Melbourne
- February 3 to 6
A jack of all trades is coming to town as Milo Hartill takes over Naarm this February. Part cabaret, part everything else, if you’re looking for a night out filled with laughs and songs, this is it.
Liza’s Good Judy
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- The Motley Bauhaus
- February 6 and 7
A one-woman show that will see Manda Rozen-Flannery make her solo show debut, Liza’s Good Judy is a love letter to power couple Judy Garland and Liza Minnelli and their iconic discography of hits.
HufflePoof
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- Speakeasy Theatre
- February 8
If you’re a fan of the wizarding world and thirsty for some queer romance, HufflePoof should be at the top of your list this February. A reimagination of characters from the Harry Potter series, this show offers a new perspective to the known tale.
Magicians at Work
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- Arts Centre Melbourne
- February 12
The old guard is joining the emerging talent at Magicians at Work this month. An Australian Institute of Magic magician will be guiding a new wave of magicians through the show as they try out all their best tricks and illusions on their audiences.
Truth
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- Malthouse Theatre
- From February 13
From Australia’s most awarded playwright, Patricia Cornelius, comes another stellar show that examines the pillars of contemporary society. If you’re after hard-hitting theatre this February, check out Truth, an exploration of power, corruption and the complexities of honesty.
Never Have I Ever
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- Fairfax Studio, St Kilda
- From February 15
A meal of a show, Never Have I Ever follows two couples as they get together for a last supper to commiserate their failed restaurant venture. Chaotic, sexy, tense and certifiably hilarious, the way that these characters fall apart is one hell of a treat.
Meerta: Rise Up! The Ballad of James Arden
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- University of Melbourne
- February 15
Sacred storytelling is on full display as David Arden shines a spotlight on the treasured history of his great-grandfather. As a co-founder and co-musical director of The Black Arm Band, David’s concert show reflects a story of identity, friendship and truth-telling through the eyes of activist James Arden.
Die Meistersinger Von Nürnberg
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- Royal Exhibition Building
- February 16, 18, 20 and 22
Royal Exhibition Building is getting an opera takeover this month with the epic four-and-a-half-hour production of Die Meistersinger Von Nürnberg. This very special event boasts an all-Aussie cast, plus international Wagner expert Anthony Negus as conductor.
A Nighttime Travesty
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- Malthouse Theatre
- From February 19
Buckle up for the show as this First Nations vaudevillian musical nightmare takes centre stage. There’s a bit of everything going on in this performance – cheek, humour, heartbreak and horror – and none of it in the way you’d expect.
Tiny, Fluffy, Sweet
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- Arts Centre Melbourne
- February 21, 22 and 23
If you’re a sucker for anything cute, you’ll be a fan of Tiny, Fluffy, Sweet. This show by theatremaker and artist Ran Chen is an exploration into the world of cuteness – what makes something so, what makes it not and why we’re so obsessed with it to begin with.
The Female Pope
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- Arts Centre Melbourne
- February 27 and 28
As Asia TOPA sweeps through town this month, it brings some spectacular shows along with it. The Female Pope is a three-hour interactive performance inspired by the 10th-century Pope Joan and Hindu Goddess Kali. Experience the power of this jaw-dropping performance as it examines misogyny in society and religion.
Gapu Ŋupan (Chasing the Rainbow)
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- Arts Centre Melbourne
- February 27 and 28
Another event on the Asia TOPA calendar, Gapu Ŋupan is a portal to Country. This First Nations commission isn’t one to miss out on this month, with song, dance, atmospheric sound design and large-scale visuals all contributing to one transcendental show.
For more stage shows and theatre in Melbourne, head here.